Honestly, I wanted to order it directly from Neil's official store, but when I realized that the shipping costs (from Australia to Italy) were more than twice the price of the CD itself...I had to sign off and go to Amazon!

I don't see the preorder album available on the US iTunes, although the single is available to purchase now (I got it, of course). Is the whole album available for preorder in other counties on iTunes?

Unfortunately I think that's the final artwork. The picture's nice enough but the typography design is a bit uninspired.

What do you base this on? All of Neil's album artwork has been pretty interesting and/or conceptual, a simple photo with the title in a bad font just doesn't make sense.

I'm basing it on the fact that Neil's website was redesigned to feature this image and typography, and if you click "pre-order" then that image is clearly shown on the CD and Vinyl covers. Plus it's on the iTunes store. There's no way it's a temporary cover at this point.

The store at NeilFinn.com is now offering a U.S. option for pre-ordering the CD or vinyl with signed photo, digital album download on Sept 1st, and instant download of 1st single. CD including shipping came to a reasonable US$21.40Initially shipping from Australia was the sole option and was going to be AU$50

Not sure if there's a similar option in Europe (could a fan in Europe verify?) but Neil's site now appears to detect the region you're accessing from and opens the appropriate store with the pre-order link - it wasn't doing that a few days ago.

Hate to say it. But that single is embarrassing. is everyone here drinking Kool Aid. The only thing worse was the whole of the Dizzy Heights and Pajama Club album. For a singer with great range why does he sing so high.

Hate to say it. But that single is embarrassing. is everyone here drinking Kool Aid. The only thing worse was the whole of the Dizzy Heights and Pajama Club album. For a singer with great range why does he sing so high.

Hate to say it. But that single is embarrassing. is everyone here drinking Kool Aid. The only thing worse was the whole of the Dizzy Heights and Pajama Club album. For a singer with great range why does he sing so high.

The last Neil Finn project I really loved was Time On Earth. I didn't hate Dizzy Heights or Pajama Club...both have songs I quite like (TNT for Two, In My Blood for example), though I haven't gone back to listen to them since they came out, which is not a good sign. His brilliance has seemed more intermittent, and his songwriting more often uninteresting, than in the past. No Kool Aid here.

That said, I like the new songs we're hearing a lot, including More Than One of You. I don't have a problem with his singing, and I think it's a good song with a solid emotional arc, and it's been stuck in my head. I think the choir is a little too low in the mix and the arrangement is a bit sparse and borderline twee. But overall I think it's solid.

Second Nature, on the other hand, seems like an unsuccessful version of Transit Lounge's quirk and humor. Really didn't like that one on first listen. But Alone, and Terrorize Me, are quite lovely. I guess this whole project is going to have a Burt Bacharach vibe -- an entire album of All I Ask and You're the One to Make Me Cry-type songs -- and while that doesn't sound good to me on paper, it's working out very well I feel. Neil hasn't made this particular sort of album before so even if you're not into it, he's not repeating himself at least.

Hate to say it. But that single is embarrassing. is everyone here drinking Kool Aid. The only thing worse was the whole of the Dizzy Heights and Pajama Club album. For a singer with great range why does he sing so high.

I just can't agree. Dizzy Heights was a very strong album with some terrific songs and challenging arrangements. As far as the new songs, I think they're very strong. "Alone" and "Terrorize Me" are fantastic songs with powerful lyrics. The single is a beautiful song as well. Can't wait to hear more!

I guess the entire album is going to have a bit of a Burt Bacharach vibe, and while that doesn't sound good to me on paper, it's working out well I feel. Neil hasn't made this particular sort of album before so even if you're not into it, he's not repeating himself at least.

Spot on, thought the same and reminds me somewhat - in a good way - of Elvis Costello and Burt Bacharach Painted from Memory album.

I like that Neil is doing quite different projects. I'm probably in the minority, in that I really liked Pajama Club (except for "From a Friend " which did nothing for me). I wasn't a fan of Intriguer (but love the reissue bonus disc from it). I didn't love Dizzy Heights but appreciated that Neil was doing something a bit different with that album, and there was nothing on it I disliked.

I doubt that Out of Silence is going to be a big favourite mine (although I will reserve judgement until it is released). It is just that I'm more a fan of pure guitar driven pop (that Neil was/is a master of), as opposed to this sort of arrangement (it is a bit reminiscent to Bic Runga's Birds album where Neil was on piano and there were strings and a similar type of choir). That said I am still delighted it is coming out and the way that Neil has chosen to share it via webcasts. I am also hoping that Neil's album with Liam will kind of be the opposite to Out of Silence and it will be great to have two very different Neil albums out in a short space of time.

However... I must admit to really disliking More Than One of You. For me, the chorus is just awful. It may be an irrational dislike though caused by the lyrics. The song sounds like a sequel to an infamous poem written by a NZ wannabe politician millionaire called Colin Craig who created his own Conservative Party (creatively named The Conservative Party). He campaigned on a moral platform and ended up with his press secretary accusing him of sexual harassment (he was married). A poem that he wrote to his press secretary got released into the public arena. It was called "Two of Me" and consisted of:

"There is only one of me, it's true

But I wish this were not the case, because I wish I could have you

If instead one man I was two

That would be one for all the others and one of me for you."

I simply can't listen to More Than One of You without thinking of this poem and Colin Craig. ... It makes me shudder!!

I really love More Than One of You, and the mysterious lyrics draw me in to keep listening. I disliked Second Nature on first hearing, but having watched the webcast twice now, it seems to be growing on me. The jury is still out. Terrorise Me struck me as very bleak - not necessarily a bad thing, but something I would have to be in the mood for, I need to hear it more.

I'm not sure how an entire album of this type of music is going to sit with me, but I would rather hear Neil experimenting than yet another CH album. CH is an idea whose time has come and gone, and can't be recaptured without Paul Hester.

Whysus compared this project to Bic Runga's "Birds" - I hadn't thought of that. I liked that album a lot. Ultimately it depends on the quality of the songs.

I'm liking the fact that the forum is so busy; we all need to make sure this place doesn't dry up an become obsolete. I'm not ready to make the full move towards Neil's Twitter or Facebook pages just yet...

I couldn't agree more about the comparison's to Burt Bacharach (HUGE compliment in my book) and specifically the Painted From Memory album with E. Costello; that's one of my all-time favorites!

When Dizzy Heights came out (and I love that album) my one issue was that it didn't sound more like the webcast versions we'd heard, with the Victoria Kelly arrangements. There's something magically-nostalgic about those arrangements; she really is superbly talented.

What I've heard so far sounds very interesting (to say the least). Second Nature does sound like 'Transit Lounge's' bastard brother. Neil must still be trying to exorcise all that quirkiness... good luck with that!

'Alone' is the epitome of that retro-modern-jazz sound that we're all referring to as 'Bacharach-esque' (those who like me love this sound, should check out the latest release from Wilco's prodigy guitarist Nels Cline). Having Tim on that song is literally the icing on the cake; this is the perfect song.

I don't really care if the final release is further embellished with more strings, guitars or a rhythm section. I trust that whatever the final product ends up being, it will be another masterpiece.

Just do us all a big favor, and please don't let Conan Mockasin near any of your songs (or offsprings).

I found it hard to get into Dizzy Heights, but then after hearing those songs (especially Divebomber) done solo on the piano in the year leading up to the album's recording/release, the songs really came alive and made more sense than the kind of distracting DH production allowed them to on the official release. Now I'm able to hear the songs underneath more clearly and enjoy DH more.

It seems even Neil is aware of how his songs can evolve and take different treatments - almost to the point where there is no definitive version (or the definitive version is in the ear of the beholder). So many of his songs suddenly become favorites after hearing them live or in demo form or in another arrangement. The reissue bonus discs really make that clear. What's so remarkable is the how wide the emotional reaction to the same song can be simply due to how it's approached - from "This song really annoys me" to "This may be my favorite Finn song!" Weird.

Apparently, Neil writes many of his songs on piano and then transfers them to guitar arrangements for the albums (especially the early CH albums), which is one of the reasons I assume his songs have such a unique feel to them. You think differently composing on piano. Translating that chordal/chromatic/harmonic thinking to guitars hits the ears in ways they are unaccustomed to hearing guitar-pop. There are exceptions, but I think, in the main, I prefer Neil's songs going through that process rather than hearing them piano-led on an album, perhaps because, while still beautiful and well-crafted, they sound like "piano songs" and lose the alchemic magic of that translation into guitar tonality. - or whatever creative arrangement is used to bring it to life in an unexpected way. I mean, the new album is basically Neil just playing the song solo on piano as it was written with a lot of strings and voices and other arrangement touches layered over it. "Don't Dream It Over" was written on piano (I think) and finding the right, best, most pleasing way of presenting it makes it so special (like so many of his best songs). I could be wrong. Just a thought.

cmon ,Frenz: aside from oh he's a live and still recording and you played Dizzy Heights once. Who can blame you ? listen to it once and pray for a CH disc in '19. Just Dreck! "Levels.."

"Remember my loose tongueForget what I just saidI'd crawl over broken glassIf we could start again"

Dreck?

Strong words about an album that isn't even recorded yet and a song that's just been released, you obviously make up your mind quickly.

The problem with that is when you discover months or years later that you were wrong, that the music has grown on you and you don't feel the same.

This happened to me with Tim's Imaginary Kingdom and is currently happening to me with Everyone is here, so I have learnt from experience to avoid harsh judgments and recognise that as a Frenz I'm in it for the long and evolving experience.

I found it hard to get into Dizzy Heights, but then after hearing those songs (especially Divebomber) done solo on the piano in the year leading up to the album's recording/release, the songs really came alive and made more sense than the kind of distracting DH production allowed them to on the official release. Now I'm able to hear the songs underneath more clearly and enjoy DH more.

It seems even Neil is aware of how his songs can evolve and take different treatments - almost to the point where there is no definitive version (or the definitive version is in the ear of the beholder). So many of his songs suddenly become favorites after hearing them live or in demo form or in another arrangement. The reissue bonus discs really make that clear. What's so remarkable is the how wide the emotional reaction to the same song can be simply due to how it's approached - from "This song really annoys me" to "This may be my favorite Finn song!" Weird.

Apparently, Neil writes many of his songs on piano and then transfers them to guitar arrangements for the albums (especially the early CH albums), which is one of the reasons I assume his songs have such a unique feel to them. You think differently composing on piano. Translating that chordal/chromatic/harmonic thinking to guitars hits the ears in ways they are unaccustomed to hearing guitar-pop. There are exceptions, but I think, in the main, I prefer Neil's songs going through that process rather than hearing them piano-led on an album, perhaps because, while still beautiful and well-crafted, they sound like "piano songs" and lose the alchemic magic of that translation into guitar tonality. - or whatever creative arrangement is used to bring it to life in an unexpected way. I mean, the new album is basically Neil just playing the song solo on piano as it was written with a lot of strings and voices and other arrangement touches layered over it. "Don't Dream It Over" was written on piano (I think) and finding the right, best, most pleasing way of presenting it makes it so special (like so many of his best songs). I could be wrong. Just a thought.

I resonate with what you wrote. I really like the Dizzy Heights songs but I'm not a big fan of the production. I love, love, love the songs performed with Victoria Kelly arrangements as they did in many of the live performances. Divebomber is a perfect example. The piano/orchestra version is mind-blowing. And I also love when Neil writes on piano. Take songs like "Walking on The Spot" or "Last Day of June" or "The Devil You Know" or "Into The Sunset" which are spectacular on piano.

This happened to me with Tim's Imaginary Kingdom and is currently happening to me with Everyone is here, so I have learnt from experience to avoid harsh judgments and recognise that as a Frenz I'm in it for the long and evolving experience.

Yes, spot on. To me, it was case with Try Whistling This - took almost ten years to start appreciate it fully and recognise it is one of Neils best, and maybe best one appart from CH. So, after I check what "dreck" means (english is not my native language), I can say its a little bit harsh word for anything Neil ever did. According to More than one of you, which is very good song to me, but (unfortunately) not one of his best, not even near (he put high standards in the past, I admit), I assume it wont be album for which would be righteous to say "its a dreck", but honestly I dont expect to be masterpiece either. If it was CH album, then I should and hope for this second.

Anyway, question - I was curious how there is not any posts about these new songs, and new album to be. Then I open this thread and was suprised - why we discuss here about our tastes and opinions, shouldnt this theme "pre-order" be about information about pre - ordering and buying new album?

Looking forward to ordering when I have some cash to let go. I'll keep an eye out for Amazon US. I would love to pick it up at a brick & mortar store in the States but those days are sadly long gone with a few record stores being the exceptions. This may be the perfect album to purchase on vinyl, with all the beautiful orchestral arrangements by talented Victoria Kelly,

So far I'm enjoying the experience, just letting the songs wash over me. I'm trying to stay away from any pre-conceived preferences. I'm glad that these songs are further down the developmental pike than the Intriguer songs workshopped on the road. I became too attached to the workshopped versions, leading to a letdown upon the album's release.

Let the artist take us on his journey, not the other way around. Be it on piano, guitar, synthesizers or glockenspiel, I trust the artist to serve the song properly. In Neil's case, for every DDIO there is a Message to My Girl.

Apparently, Neil writes many of his songs on piano and then transfers them to guitar arrangements for the albums (especially the early CH albums), which is one of the reasons I assume his songs have such a unique feel to them. You think differently composing on piano. Translating that chordal/chromatic/harmonic thinking to guitars hits the ears in ways they are unaccustomed to hearing guitar-pop. There are exceptions, but I think, in the main, I prefer Neil's songs going through that process rather than hearing them piano-led on an album, perhaps because, while still beautiful and well-crafted, they sound like "piano songs" and lose the alchemic magic of that translation into guitar tonality. - or whatever creative arrangement is used to bring it to life in an unexpected way.

I am with you on this, seems to me, pretty much. When I think of my best 20 Neils songs ever, 95 % of them would be guitar driven. And, more than 80 % of them would be CH songs. On the other hand, there are many more than only 5 % not guitar driven of his songs, and many more than 20% of them not CH. I can see relation. Maybe (this is just a theory which goes to your cup), when Neil write songs for CH, the fact that he have Nick, marveleous bassist beside him and strong personality, spontaniously leaded him to transfer song(s) to guitar driven, lead guitar by him. Guitar plus bass (plus drums) seems to me (not musicaly educated) more natural than piano plus bass.

The link to order from Neil's website now seems to be removed, though that may be due to the dropping of Serious in Love. Previous comments there indicate that the physical cd wasn't going to ship until sometime in October anyway (really????). In the US, it is only listed on Amazon as an import, at over $26 dollars. What is the best, quickest and most reasonably priced way to get this disc in the States?

The link to order from Neil's website now seems to be removed, though that may be due to the dropping of Serious in Love. Previous comments there indicate that the physical cd wasn't going to ship until sometime in October anyway (really????). In the US, it is only listed on Amazon as an import, at over $26 dollars. What is the best, quickest and most reasonably priced way to get this disc in the States?

Well, was finally able to find the US store on Neil's website. With shipping, it came to $20.40 US dollars, still says the cd ships Sept 22 (October date was for vinyl, my mistake), and does have the digital download tomorrow. All in all, seems reasonable, so I've ordered and eagerly awaiting the download tomorrow.

The link to order from Neil's website now seems to be removed, though that may be due to the dropping of Serious in Love. Previous comments there indicate that the physical cd wasn't going to ship until sometime in October anyway (really????). In the US, it is only listed on Amazon as an import, at over $26 dollars. What is the best, quickest and most reasonably priced way to get this disc in the States?

Well, was finally able to find the US store on Neil's website. With shipping, it came to $20.40 US dollars, still says the cd ships Sept 22 (October date was for vinyl, my mistake), and does have the digital download tomorrow. All in all, seems reasonable, so I've ordered and eagerly awaiting the download tomorrow.

Finally got my cd over the weekend, after watching the release dates change several times. Last report was Oct. 6 for the US, was pleasantly surprised to find it in my mailbox.

Sorry if this has been answered elsewhere on here, but did anyone else not get the promised digital version of the album that was supposedly part of the vinyl bundle? Nothing appeared on the day of the CD/digital release as was mentioned in the pre-order blurb on Neil's site, then a couple of weeks later I had an email with links to Second Nature and More Than One Of You, but I've heard nothing since. I emailed the supplier/store, and they seem to be pretty unhelpful - "if the digital version wasn't listed as a bonus, there's nothing we can do". Yeah... but it clearly *was* listed as a bonus - wish I'd taken a screenshot to prove it I have since got hold of a low bit-rate version from elsewhere (but unfortunately 128kbps MP3s don't really cut it nowadays) - is it too much to ask that a vinyl release comes with a 320kbps MP3 digital version? I'm still trying to get the result I want from the supplier, but it feels like I'm hitting my head against a brick wall. A shame, as this is my favourite Neil release in years, but I kind of wish I'd foregone the vinyl and just bought a high bit-rate digital download version instead... Anyone else in the same boat, or has anyone got a resolution from the store?

Sorry if this has been answered elsewhere on here, but did anyone else not get the promised digital version of the album that was supposedly part of the vinyl bundle? Nothing appeared on the day of the CD/digital release as was mentioned in the pre-order blurb on Neil's site, then a couple of weeks later I had an email with links to Second Nature and More Than One Of You, but I've heard nothing since. I emailed the supplier/store, and they seem to be pretty unhelpful - "if the digital version wasn't listed as a bonus, there's nothing we can do". Yeah... but it clearly *was* listed as a bonus - wish I'd taken a screenshot to prove it I have since got hold of a low bit-rate version from elsewhere (but unfortunately 128kbps MP3s don't really cut it nowadays) - is it too much to ask that a vinyl release comes with a 320kbps MP3 digital version? I'm still trying to get the result I want from the supplier, but it feels like I'm hitting my head against a brick wall. A shame, as this is my favourite Neil release in years, but I kind of wish I'd foregone the vinyl and just bought a high bit-rate digital download version instead... Anyone else in the same boat, or has anyone got a resolution from the store?

Pretty sure it was with vinyl - it'd be odd if it was just CD, as you could rip it to MP3 yourself when you got the disc! Just out of interest though, did you do the pre-order (CD or vinyl) and get the download on the day of release?

Pretty sure it was with vinyl - it'd be odd if it was just CD, as you could rip it to MP3 yourself when you got the disc! Just out of interest though, did you do the pre-order (CD or vinyl) and get the download on the day of release?

Yes I pre ordered both. I receieved the digital with cd order. Not the vinyl. Digital release came with release of the cd.

I believe it was CD only - getting more common that vinyl doesn't have the download code as I reckon they think you'll just Spotify it rather than want a bunch of mp3s.

Not your fault, but does strike me as odd that people want the digital recording etched on to vinyl (aka archaic format!), but then also expect a free digital download too because the vinyl isn't portable enough and costs such a lot....but such is the way of the world.

Oh I agree, and if I hadn't read that it was part of the bundle I certainly wouldn't have expected it. There's absolutely no sense in an MP3 element being part of a CD purchase though, as you can make it yourself within seconds of receiving the disc. Offering it with vinyl gives you the best of both worlds.

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